Murder comes to the countryside in theatrical world premiere of television favourite Midsomer Murders
A story from Midsomer Murders – one of the most popular ITV crime series – has been adapted for the stage and visits Derbyshire this month on its world premiere tour.
Daniel Casey stars as Inspector Tom Barnaby in Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift which will be hosted at Derby Theatre from March 24 to 28, 2026.
The play brings to life the wit, charm and chilling suspense of the beloved television programmes and original series of books.
Daniel has been promoted from his TV role as DS Gavin Troy on telly’s Midsomer Murders, which he played for six years. He said: “It’s a massive promotion, going from a detective sergeant to a chief inspector. I’ve certainly earned my spurs.”
He is supported by James Bradwell as Sgt Troy in a play which revolves around the death of a well-loved spinster whose friend refuses to accept it was an accident. The two detectives are called in to investigate, uncovering a world of hidden passions, long-buried secrets and deadly rivalries.
The stage production is based on the book by Caroline Graham and the Midsomer Murders TV series. Daniel said: “It is true to the spirit of the TV show, which has an inherent theatricality to it. We’re bringing that theatricality to the stage and we have a fantastic cast of actors who are multi-roling, which gives them the opportunity to showcase their amazing acting skills. I challenge the audience to guess how many actors there are in the cast as they transform into so many different characters between scenes!”
Midsomer Murders is now syndicated in more than 200 territories worldwide. Daniel believes it is so successful because: “It’s set in the modern day yet it has a kind of 1940s or 1950s feel to it. It’s a wonderful form of escapism. Apparently a lot of clerics like it because it’s like a modern day morality tale. It’s good versus evil, right versus wrong. And it has such cross-generational appeal, where kids watch it with their grandparents. The beautiful countryside is another part of its appeal and it’s full of eccentrics, which British actors play so well.”
Tickets for Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift start at £27. Book online at www.derbytheatre.co.uk or call 01332 59 39 39.